Stepping into Amen Street Fish is like entering a lively and sophisticated meeting place. The atmosphere buzzes with the cheerful clinking of glasses and cutlery, as conversations flow from the bar area to the comfortably filled tables in the back. The space is designed to be open and inviting, encouraging a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The service is informal yet attentive, and the focus is undeniably on the first-rate food that graces each plate.
The restaurant exudes a sense of timeless elegance. The dark wood accents and classic tile work evoke the charm of a Boston waterfront establishment, while the staff efficiently navigates the space with crisp white towels and gleaming pewter platters. A prominent raw bar anchors the front of the restaurant, where a skilled shucker expertly prepares fresh seafood for eager patrons.
One of the most striking features of Amen Street Fish is its unique chandeliers. These creatively designed light fixtures feature rotund iron frames adorned with oyster shells, meticulously linked together to form a gracefully curved, parabolic canopy underneath. Light filters beautifully through the shells, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout the dining area – so captivating, in fact, they may inspire some home décor envy.
Amen Street Fish champions seafood classics, prepared with exceptional care and quality ingredients. Start with a selection of fresh, cold oysters, priced according to market availability, or indulge in the perfectly crafted crab cake ($11.95). The crab cake is served alongside a refreshing green salad, sliced tomato, and a delicate herb vinaigrette, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to simple yet impeccably executed dishes. This is food that highlights the quality of ingredients and masterful preparation, where any shortcuts would be as glaring as those stunning chandeliers.
While most dishes shine, the she-crab soup ($4.95/$6.95) unfortunately misses the mark. Described as more of a heavy roux than a delicate bisque, it unfortunately tasted predominantly of uncooked flour and lacked proper seasoning. This dish, which should be a highlight of Charleston cuisine, falls short of expectations and feels like an afterthought rather than a centerpiece. Conversely, the scallop crudo, despite its merits, seems somewhat out of place and overpriced at $15.95 for a small portion. The delicate dollops of black lumpfish roe, while adding a touch of sophistication, feel a little too fussy for the overall classic seafood focus of the restaurant. While there are hints of ethnic influences on the menu, sticking to the classic offerings is highly recommended to fully appreciate the restaurant’s strengths. When the food aligns with the refined ambiance, the dining experience truly excels.
However, these minor critiques are easily overshadowed by the overwhelming excellence of the rest of the menu. The desire to return to Amen Street Fish is strong, and recommending it becomes effortless. For locals constantly searching for “the” best seafood spot and for tourists eager to discover exceptional downtown dining, Amen Street Fish is the definitive answer.
Prepare for Amen Street Fish to be the hottest dining destination this season. The fried calamari ($8.50) alone is worth the visit. Far surpassing typical Charleston calamari, Amen Street Fish serves thick, meaty planks of squid, resembling gourmet squid French fries rather than the usual rubbery rings with generic cocktail sauce. Equally irresistible are the shrimp corndogs, a playful and delicious creation. These feature a trio of spit-jacked boiled shrimp encased in a subtly sweet batter. They disappear so quickly that the accompanying mustard and cornichons are often left untouched.
Oyster shell chandeliers at Amen Street Fish in Charleston, South Carolina, casting a warm glow over diners.
The undeniable stars of the menu are the fried platters ($18.95-$19.95). Piled high with your choice of oysters, shrimp, flounder, or a combination, these platters are a fried seafood lover’s dream. The seafood is remarkably fresh, cooked in clean, hot oil, and coated in a batter that is simply perfect. It strikes a delicate balance – not too heavy or doughy, subtly reminiscent of Japanese tempura with a hint of cornmeal, delivering a satisfying crunch that gives way to the succulent, salty seafood within. Without question, this represents the finest plate of fried seafood available on the peninsula.
For those seeking a lighter option, Amen Street Fish also offers herb-grilled fish (market price). Prepared with understated elegance, the fresh catch is simply grilled and served with asparagus and a light tomato and herb dressing, allowing the quality of the local seafood to shine.
If you still have room after indulging in the savory delights, the dessert menu provides a sweet finish. The entire dessert selection can be sampled for $10.95, offering a shareable assortment of passable Key lime pie, rich chocolate mousse, and a classic strawberry shortcake (even when strawberries are out of season).
In a city brimming with seafood restaurants, finding truly exceptional options can be a challenge. Many establishments unfortunately fall into the traps of being touristy, greasy, or both. Aside from a few respectable raw bars and scattered fish houses, a dedicated focus on high-quality fried flounder or perfectly crisp oysters has been noticeably absent in Charleston’s downtown and Bowen’s Island area for some time. The need for culinary excellence and diversity within Charleston’s seafood scene has been evident. If you’ve been hoping for a truly outstanding new place to savor classic seafood, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar is the answer to your prayers.
